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Construction sector must not overlook talented women, says UK government

Published by , Editor - Hydrocarbon Engineering
World Cement,


UK ministers have launched the #NotJustForBoys initiative in an effort to encourage young women to enter sectors such as construction and manufacturing, which may have been dominated by men in the past. The campaign will aim to tackle the stereotypes that are still sometimes applied to these industries.

As many as 12 million new job opportunities could emerge in areas of the economy such as engineering and building over the coming 10 years. Speaking in support of the scheme, Employment Minister Esther McVey said: “Despite a record number of women in work, they are still under-represented in many of the industries, for example engineering, science and construction, where they can be the role models in traditionally male-dominated jobs for the next generation.” According to McVey, up to 150 000 new start-up businesses would be created if women set companies up at the same rate as men.

It is estimated that around 260 000 women work within the UK’s construction sector at present, with this figure rising by 14 000 over the last 12 months or so. In the West Midlands, roughly 18,000 women are thought to be employed by construction companies. On a national scale, official data has previously shown that a record 14.4 million women are now employed across all industries.

Employers and young women are now being encouraged to voice their support for diverse workforces by following the #NotJustForBoys campaign on Twitter.


Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/30012015/construction-sector-must-not-overlook-talented-women-says-uk-government-239/

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